Authors:
Cox K, Binns CW, Giglia R.
Authors notes:
Acta Paediatr Int J Paediatr. 2015;104(8):e350-e9.
Keywords:
Australia, Breastfeeding duration, Obesity, Rural, Smoking
Abstract:
This study aims to determine the prevalence of exclusive and 'any breastfeeding' at six months in rural Western Australia and to identify the predictors of exclusive and 'any breastfeeding' duration up to 12 months.
Smoking during pregnancy was the strongest predictor of exclusive breastfeeding cessation before six months.
A favourable attitude towards breastfeeding, a body mass index of <30 and a return to work after six months were associated with reduced risk of breastfeeding cessation before both six and 12 months.
Breastfeeding duration in rural Western Australia is influenced by modifiable factors such as smoking during pregnancy and prepregnancy obesity, therefore strategies to address these risk factors in rural women prior to delivery may contribute to improved breastfeeding rates.